Being there for Mom

New Mothers Need Support of Family and Friends

When Mom comes home with her new baby, she needs her family's support in many ways. If you are Mom's partner, your help is most valuable. You can help her by taking care of the household as much as possible while she and her new baby rest and establish feeding and sleeping rhythms.

You can also help other children, family members and even pets with the transition involved in welcoming a new member to the household. Your children and pets may inadvertently feel left out, so try to make special time with them. Also create space that allows them to bond naturally with their new sibling.

It is most helpful to have a partner who becomes involved with the baby's care -– so learn all you can about taking care of an infant. (CMMC has classes for expectant parents: visit Childbirth Education Events Calendar.) If you find you have too many responsibilities during this time, call on friends and family to help with chores, such as running errands and cleaning. This is a special bonding time for your family, and the priority should be helping Mom and her newborn.